Rivian R2 named MotorTrend's 2027 SUV of the Year
MotorTrend picked the Rivian R2 as its 2027 SUV of the Year from 32 contenders, giving Rivian its second Of The Year title after the R1T in 2022.
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The Rivian R2 is MotorTrend's 2027 SUV of the Year, the magazine announced on 11 November. In its own announcement, Rivian said the R2 won against a field of 32 gas, hybrid and electric contenders, and the company also shared the result on X.
A second title for Rivian
The award is Rivian's second from MotorTrend after the R1T pickup was named 2022 Truck of the Year. MotorTrend wrote that no startup automaker had previously won one of its Of The Year awards with a follow-up to its debut model. It argued that the R2 counts as a separate product because it is a clean-sheet design, while the R1S shares most of its hardware with the R1T.
MotorTrend judges every contender on the same six criteria, according to Rivian: advancement in design, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, value, safety and efficiency.
What the judges liked, and what they did not
In its write-up, MotorTrend praised the R2's on-road handling, its off-road ability even on street tires, the size of the rear seat, cargo space that includes what it called the segment's largest front trunk, and the zonal electrical architecture that cuts wiring and controllers. It also rated Rivian's Autonomy+ hands-free driving system highly.
The magazine was not uncritical. It said it still dislikes air vents adjusted through the touchscreen and that the new control wheels on the steering wheel need more work. MotorTrend also noted that the R2 had not yet been crash tested by NHTSA or the IIHS when it was evaluated, and described the R2's real-world efficiency and range as closer to average than class-leading.
Prices and timing
Rivian lists four versions. The Performance trim is on sale now from $57,990, with 656 horsepower and up to 330 miles of EPA-estimated range. A Premium trim from $53,990 is due in late 2026, a rear-wheel-drive Standard Long Range from $48,490 is due in spring 2027, and a second Standard version from $44,990 with more than 275 miles of Rivian-estimated range is due in summer 2027. Destination fees are extra.
The R2 is built on a dedicated line at Rivian's plant in Normal, Illinois. Rivian said its second factory, in Georgia, is expected to start building vehicles in late 2028.
The MotorTrend win follows the Top Gear SUV of the Year award we reported on 7 November, and comes days after chief executive RJ Scaringe called 2027 an inflection year for the company.